How to Talk to Your Colorist: A Brooklyn Stylist’s Guide to Getting What You Really Want

When you step into the salon, the first question your stylist will ask is: What color are you aiming for? It's crucial to be ready to articulate your desired style and color effectively. Failing to do so could lead to disappointment with the results, and it's not the stylist's fault. The key to achieving your desired hair color is clear, specific, and realistic communication. This guide equips you with everything you need to know when consulting with your hair colorist, ensuring you leave the salon with a smile on your face.

How to Talk to Your Colorist

Hair stylists and colorists are not mind readers. They can only help you achieve your desired hairstyle and color if you communicate your preferences to them. These tips will help you effectively convey the look you want, allowing you to achieve it.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

The best way to effectively communicate your desired hair color to your stylist is to show them a photo of the hair color you want. Save yourself – and your stylist – the hassle of guessing what you want and expecting that they can understand what you mean. Describing specific hairstyles and colors can be challenging for someone who isn't well-versed in hairstyling and coloring. 

You can save yourself from disappointment by bringing photos of your desired color and showing them to the hairstylist. It provides them with a visual representation of what you want, rather than relying on them to interpret your description.

Different people may interpret what "ashy" or "blonde" hair tones mean differently. Your hair colorist could have different interpretations of your hair color that don’t match what's in your mind. Using a reference photo (or two) shows your colorist exactly what you want, without relying on vague descriptions. Make sure it's a good quality and clear photo. 


Brooklyn hairstylist discussing hair color options .

Brush Up on Hair Color Lingo

You don't need to be a hair color expert to describe your ideal color to a hairstylist. However, it's beneficial to have a grasp of a few hair color and styling terms. This knowledge will help you accurately describe your desired style to your stylist.

Speaking your colorist’s language ensures you are on the same page. For example, you should be familiar with common hair coloring terms, such as balayage and highlights. Most women would confuse the two and assume they're the same, when in fact, they're not. Highlights use foils to create a structured hair color, while balayage is hand-painted for a more natural color transition. Not knowing the difference could result in a significantly different look than what you imagined.

Another term you should know when describing your desired color to a hairstylist is the difference between warm and cool tones. Therefore, saying you want a "blonde" hair color won't be enough. You must be specific if you want a warm blonde, such as honey, red, or copper, or a cool blonde like ash or platinum. 

Finally, you must know the terms to use when describing how you want your hair to look after the color. Do you want a dimensioned or flat color? Dimension is achieved by mixing light and dark shades, while flat color is more uniform and solid. 

Learning to speak the pro's language is crucial in communicating what you want. You don't need to know in-depth about what these terms mean, but you should know how to describe the color you want to support your visual reference.

Speak Through Problems and Solutions

While you might be curious to try a new hair color trend, not all hair colors work on you. It’s a sad fact that you must be prepared to hear from your hair colorist when you walk into a salon.

Hair stylists consider several factors when recommending the best hair color for their clients. They consider the hair’s natural texture, thickness (or thinness), and lifestyle factors. Your hairstylist will ask you a series of questions before they begin the coloring process. For example, they want to know if you have virgin hair or have previously colored it. They will also assess your hair type and texture. Do you have fine, coarse, or damaged hair?

Depending on these details, your hair colorist may proceed with your chosen hair color or not. They will assess the health and condition of your hair before applying the color. These factors will affect how your hair responds to the color; at least that is what a professional hair stylist should do. They will be upfront with you about whether specific hair colors and procedures are suitable for your hair, taking into account its current condition and health.

If they refuse to do the desired hair color, understand that it's for the benefit of your hair health. Some hair colors require additional processes, such as bleaching, which can be highly damaging to the hair. If you have fine or damaged hair, undergoing these processes may be detrimental to your hair. 

Remember that your hair coloring is best left to a hair coloring Brooklyn professional, who knows your hair and has the expertise to assess it. 

Hair coloring session at a Brooklyn salon

Communicate What You Don’t Want

While it's essential to communicate your preferences to your hairstylist, it's equally important to be clear about what you don't want. This will give you a sense of control and confidence in the outcome. 

For example, tell them that you want your hair to look full and bouncy. This will give your hair colorist a hint that you want to add dimension to your hair with color. Provide as much information during the consultation, and also ensure that you ask as many questions as necessary.

Ask About Hair Maintenance

Don't overlook hair maintenance when choosing a hair color. Be proactive and ask your stylist about the level of maintenance required for your specific hair color. 

Don’t let yourself be swept up in the excitement of new hair color. While it looks great on you, don't expect it to stay that way once you step out of the salon unless you give it proper care and maintenance. Some hair colors and techniques require more upkeep than others. 

Understanding how to maintain your strands will help extend the life of your color between appointments. You can also use this opportunity to ask your hair colorist about the best products they recommend for maintaining your hair color, keeping it fresh and vibrant for longer.